Tree hugging challenge: More Nakuru residents join the frenzy

What began as a symbolic civic act by environmentalist Truphena Muthoni has now evolved into a public frenzy where individuals have joined the tree hugging challenges purporting to champion for various causes.

One of the most visible faces of the challenge in Nakuru is Susan Njeri, a 34-year-old single mother of two, who recently returned to Kenya after spending four years working in Saudi Arabia. 

Muthoni participated in a 48-hour tree hugging challenge along Club Road, adjacent to the Rift Valley sports club advocating for the rights of innocent Kenyans trapped in prisons abroad.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, she says her participation in the challenge is driven by a deep desire to speak for Kenyans who are still suffering abroad and cannot freely raise their voices, especially those locked up in prison in Saudi Arabia. 

Muthoni, say she had been in a Saudi Arabia prison from six months after attempting to escape from her employer.

She explains that she left Kenya in 2021 during a difficult period in her life, leaving behind her children and her mother in search of work. 

“It was a painful decision and one that I regret, but poverty and responsibility pushed me to seek opportunities outside the country “she says.

Her journey back to Kenya, she notes, was paid for by her employee after she spent time in detention in Saudi Arabia.

Muthoni explains that while in detention she met hundreds of Kenyans facing similar struggles. She says she managed to record more than 500 contacts of Kenyans who pleaded with her to speak to the government on their behalf.

“They told me to help them. There are mothers and fathers who cannot speak to their children. Families are stressed,” she says, calling on the government to intervene and protect Kenyan migrant workers.

Susan is not alone in using the tree-hugging challenge to pass a message.

In Naivasha, a young man has also embarked on a 120-hour tree-hugging challenge, using it to highlight what he calls a growing dental health crisis for Naivasha residents. 

David Mwangi says many young people from Naivasha miss opportunities to join the Kenya Police Service and the Kenya Defense Forces due to poor dental health, despite being academically and physically qualified.

Meanwhile, a security guard at Nyayo Gardens tells Mtaa wangu that the challenge is steadily gaining popularity. 

They say at least four people have already attempted the tree-hugging challenge at the park; however they were forced out of the premises for lacking medical forms among other reasons.

“This includes a child who made a three-hour attempt, asking people to allow President William Ruto to work without interference,” the guard notes.

As more residents take part, the tree-hugging challenge is fast becoming a popular form of expression. Will these efforts result in changes in society or mere attention seeking challenges?

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